It's really no secret that Star Trek and Star Wars are the big Number One and Number Two so far as most SciFi fans are concerned (with their ranking always interchangeable), but I will say this: methinks mankind owes a vastly greater debt to that singular work from the mind of Gene Roddenberry than it does George Lucas. Why? Well, how many careers in the various sciences of astronomy or physics or medicine were launched thanks to a late 1960's television program? How many folks pursued a career in electronics so that they could create create the first communicator, the first tricorder, or even the first warp drive? From what I've read, it's been quite a few. So think what you may -- prefer Star Wars over Star Trek, if you must -- but I'm sticking with my first love, and that one sprang from the imagination of the Great Bird of the Galaxy! Though he's no longer with us, Roddenberry was born on this day in 1921.
Actor William Marshall dabbled in the greater Star Trek universe in the guise of the much revered 'Dr. Richard Daystrom.' Though he's no longer with us, Marshall was born on this day in 1924. [Source: Memory Alpha]
Horror and Fantasy veteran Angus Scrimm suited up in the guise of 'The Tall Man' for the wide, wide world of the Phantasm franchise whenever called upon in his life. He also enjoyed roles aboard Project UFO, Salvage 1, The Lost Empire (1984), Chopping Mall (1986), Subspecies (1991), Mindwarp (1991), Munchie (1992), Munchie Strikes Back (1994), Vampirella (1996), Wishmaster (1997), FreakyLinks, The Nightmare Room, Legend Of The Phantom Rider (2002), Automatons (2006), and Dances With Werewolves (2017). Though he's no longer with us, Scrimm was born on this day in 1926. [Source: IMDB.com]
Diana Muldaur is one of those rare actresses who had the chance to actually be involved in the original STAR TREK and then come aboard the Enterprise-D as Dr. Pulaski during Star Trek: The Next Generation's second season when Beverly Crusher was off doing whatever Beverly Crusher's are off doing. Pulaski was never quite a fan favorite, but she could sling a hypospray like nobody's business. Ms. Muldaur was born on this day back in 1938.
Pardon me if the male in me is showing when I say, "God bless the greater cinematic universe of the Bond girls!" Lovely Jill St. John gave it a whirl, appearing as Tiffany Case in 1971's Diamonds Are Forever. The actress also booked roles aboard such genre properties as The Lost World (1960), Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea (1964), and TV's Batman (1966). St. John was born on this day in 1940.
TV veteran Gerald McRaney played the patriarch to a small Midwestern town in CBS TV's Apocalypse-themed weekly series Jericho back during 2006 and 2007. McRaney was born on this day in 1947.
The venerable Ian McElhinney turned in solid work as one of the ancestors of Superman himself aboard Syfy's Krypton. Genre fans might also recognize him from work aboard HBO's popular Game Of Thrones as well as Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016). McElhinney was born on this day in 1948. [Source: IMDB.com]
Jonathan Frakes really does look better with the beard and mustache, doesn't he? First season's Commander William Riker from Star Trek: The Next Generation always looked a bit too baby-faced for my tastes. Adding the facial hair really was a command decision! Mr. Frakes has left an indelible footprint on the Trek legacy, being one of the first actors to get involved behind-the-camera as well as before it. He was born on this day back in 1952.
Martin Donovan is a working man's character actor. Check out his profile at IMDB.com, and you'll see he maintains an impressive resume both in and outside of quality genre projects. SciFi fans probably recognize him best from roles in The Dead Zone, The Lottery, and Ant-Man. Donovan was born on this day in 1957.
Kyra Sedgwick took time away from conventional dramas and her own political skullduggery for work aboard Phenomenon (1996), a popular Fantasy from Touchstone Pictures. Sedgwick was born on this day in 1965. [Source: IMDB.com]
Though younger viewers really only know him for his role in HBO's tepid Entourage, I remember Kevin Dillon in the late 1980's big screen reboot of the SciFi classic, The Blob. Dillon was born on this day in 1965.
Dreamy Viveka Davis played a key role in the original TV incarnation of Kenneth Johnson's V, appearing as Polly Maxwell in both the first and second miniseries. Davis was born on this day in 1969.
Talk about your SciFi Near-Miss! Matthew Perry was in a SciFi TV pilot called L.A.X. 2194 that nearly (nearly) kept him out of securing long-term employment aboard NBC's Friends. When L.A.X. 2194 wasn't picked up for series, the actor was free to pursue that other gig. But, alas, what could've been ... In any event, Perry was born on this day in 1969. [Source: IMDB.com]
Aussie actress Tasma Walton enjoyed a run of twelve episodes for the SciFi/Fantasy series Cleverman during its run in the land down under. Walton was born on this day in 1973. [Source: IMDB.com]
Without a doubt, the Star Wars Prequel Trilogy wasn't to everyone's liking, and that man there -- the guy with the Gungan arms -- ended up inadvertently carrying a lot of the blame. That's Ahmed Best, better known to SciFi fans as the actor who gave voice to the deservedly maligned JarJar Binks. Best was born on this day in 1973.
Lovely Tracie Thoms (above center) had a small role in 2012's SciFi time travel thriller Looper from writer/director Rian Johnson. Thoms was born on this day in 1975.
As I've mentioned before, I'm probably one of the biggest Superman fans you'll find alive today, but in his final season or two I thought Smallville really went off the rails a bit too much in its regular tinkering with its vast mythology. Still, I appreciate a good job done by all performers, and Callum Blue made for a completely different take on the infamous General Zod. Blue was born on this day in 1977.
The lovely Michelle Borth was flying high with her work aboard the Warner Bros. breakout Superhero/Comedy hit Shazam (2019). Borth was born on this day in 1978. [Source: IMDB.com]
Former football player Thomas Q. Jones suited up for action of an entirely different sport when he joined the cast of Marvel's Luke Cage for its run on Netflix. Jones was born on this day in 1978. [Source: IMDB.com]
Actress and director Melissa Fumero has lent her voice to the character of 'Melissa Tarleton' aboard the animated property Marvel's M.O.D.O.K. Fumero was born on this day in 1982. [Source: IMDB.com]
Mike Moh immersed himself in the (televised) world of Marvel's ever-growing Fantasy with a role aboard the short-lived Inhumans. Moh was born on this day in 1983. [Source: IMDB.com]
Talk about your epic crossovers! The fetching Briana Venskus has enjoyed supporting screen time aboard both DC Comics' Supergirl as well as Marvel's Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.! Furthermore, she's braved the Apocalypse at the heart of AMC's juggernaut The Walking Dead. Venskus was born on this day in 1984. [Source: IMDB.com]
And speaking about Superman, how about a birthday from Superman Returns? Newcomer Tristan Lake Leabu had a small but critical role in the twist in the mythology for the somewhat disappointing 2006 film. Leabu was born on this day in 1999.
A star is born! On this day in 1959 (in Sweden), Invasion Of The Animal People invaded our collective consciousness. The feature starred Barbara Wilson and Sten Gester, and here's the plot summary that's provided by IMDB.com:
"Aliens release a furry critter in the wilds of Lapland where it takes a woman captive and threatens a group of scientists."
"Aliens release a furry critter in the wilds of Lapland where it takes a woman captive and threatens a group of scientists."
A star is born! On this day in 1961 (in Italy), Hercules Conquers Atlantis enjoyed its theatrical release. (FYI: as I've found, the film is referenced by several alternative titles included Hercules And The Captive Women or Hercules And The Haunted Women.) Written (in part) and directed by Vittorio Cottafavi, the Fantasy feature starred Reg Park in the role of the singular strongman, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The ever intrepid world-trotting hunk of a man Herc (Hercules to those who are not his friends) saves a beautiful maiden from the hands of an evil creature. She takes him to her home, Atlantis. Herc kicks some butt and saves her from her mother who wants to kill her and from some scary looking blond guys but unfortunately the rest of the inhabitants are destroyed. Do not worry because Herc escapes along with his son, the maiden and an annoying midget."
For the record: Your humble editor has had the good fortune of seeing Hercules And The Captive Women, and he's even penned his thoughts on the film's 2021 video release. Interested parties can find the article right here.
"The ever intrepid world-trotting hunk of a man Herc (Hercules to those who are not his friends) saves a beautiful maiden from the hands of an evil creature. She takes him to her home, Atlantis. Herc kicks some butt and saves her from her mother who wants to kill her and from some scary looking blond guys but unfortunately the rest of the inhabitants are destroyed. Do not worry because Herc escapes along with his son, the maiden and an annoying midget."
For the record: Your humble editor has had the good fortune of seeing Hercules And The Captive Women, and he's even penned his thoughts on the film's 2021 video release. Interested parties can find the article right here.
A star is born! Premiering on this day in 1983, Metalstorm: The Destruction of Jared-Syn tried to kinda/sorta capitalize on a brief flirtation with 3D films but failed ... except for achieving cult status. Here's the film's plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"A seeker named Dogen rescues Dhyana after her father is murdered by the evil Jared-Syn. To avenge her father's death, Dogen must find Jared-Syn's hideout in the mysterious "Lost City", but the only person who knows where it is an aging, burned-out seeker named Rhodes. Along the way, they will need to do battle against the hunter Baal and his Cyclopean minions for engaging Jared-Syn in a final encounter."
For the record: Metalstorm was the recipient of the 'Best Special Effects' Award from the 1984 Fantafestival.
"A seeker named Dogen rescues Dhyana after her father is murdered by the evil Jared-Syn. To avenge her father's death, Dogen must find Jared-Syn's hideout in the mysterious "Lost City", but the only person who knows where it is an aging, burned-out seeker named Rhodes. Along the way, they will need to do battle against the hunter Baal and his Cyclopean minions for engaging Jared-Syn in a final encounter."
For the record: Metalstorm was the recipient of the 'Best Special Effects' Award from the 1984 Fantafestival.
Also on this day from 1983 came another entry into low-budget SciFi schlock, a little something that went by the name Yor - the Hunter from the Future. (It had opened several months earlier in Italy.) According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Yor, an extremely blond prehistoric warrior, comes to question his origins, particularly with regard to a mysterious medallion he wears. When he learns of a desert goddess who supposedly wears the same medallion, Yor decides that he must find her and learn his true identity. Along the way, he encounters ape-men, dinosaurs, and a strange futuristic society."
"Yor, an extremely blond prehistoric warrior, comes to question his origins, particularly with regard to a mysterious medallion he wears. When he learns of a desert goddess who supposedly wears the same medallion, Yor decides that he must find her and learn his true identity. Along the way, he encounters ape-men, dinosaurs, and a strange futuristic society."
On this day in 1985 (in Spain), mankind was treated to yet one more cinematic exploration of our impending Apocalyptic doom with the release of A Man Called Rage. (The film's initial release was sometime in 1984, but that date -- at this juncture -- appears lost to history.) According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"In a post-apocalyptic world, a soldier of fortune enters "The Forbidden Land" to find uranium that will help save mankind. However, a rival adventurer is also after the uranium, but for his own ends."
"In a post-apocalyptic world, a soldier of fortune enters "The Forbidden Land" to find uranium that will help save mankind. However, a rival adventurer is also after the uranium, but for his own ends."
On this day in 1988 (in Italy), Steel Dawn enjoyed its run in theaters. Directed by Lance Hool, the SciFi feature starred Patrick Swayze and Lisa Niemi, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"In a post-apocalyptic world, a warrior wandering through the desert comes upon a group of settlers who are being menaced by a murderous gang that is after the water they control."
"In a post-apocalyptic world, a warrior wandering through the desert comes upon a group of settlers who are being menaced by a murderous gang that is after the water they control."
Erm ... I thought girl just wanna have fun? No? On this day in 1989 (in the Philippines), The Sisterhood surfaced in theaters. Directed by Cirio H. Santiago, the SciFi feature starred Rebecca Holden and Chuck Wagner, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"The year is 2021 AD. Women have been enslaved by a brutal army of men who survived the nuclear holocaust. Their only hope for freedom is in the hands of a nomadic band of fierce she-warriors: The Sisterhood."
"The year is 2021 AD. Women have been enslaved by a brutal army of men who survived the nuclear holocaust. Their only hope for freedom is in the hands of a nomadic band of fierce she-warriors: The Sisterhood."
On this day in 1998, Storm Trooper took the home video market by (you guessed it!) storm. The feature starred Carol Alt and John Laughlin, and here's the plot summary that's been provided via Amazon.com:
"Shortly after murdering her abusive husband, a woman takes an injured stranger into her home. She soon discovers the stranger is a cyborg. Will he be able to persuade her to help him flee from a mysterious gang of armed men?"
"Shortly after murdering her abusive husband, a woman takes an injured stranger into her home. She soon discovers the stranger is a cyborg. Will he be able to persuade her to help him flee from a mysterious gang of armed men?"
A star is born! On this day in 2003, Leeches! sunk its teeth into the home video market. (Wait ... do leeches even have teeth?) The feature starred Alexandra Westmore and Stacey Nelson, and here's the plot as listed on IMDB.com:
"Common-type aquatic leeches grow to large size after feeding on steroid-laced blood of a number of college endurance swimmers, and then the nasty creatures lay siege to the entire campus for more."
"Common-type aquatic leeches grow to large size after feeding on steroid-laced blood of a number of college endurance swimmers, and then the nasty creatures lay siege to the entire campus for more."
On this day in 2007 (in the United Kingdom), the Fantasy/Telefilm Highlander: The Source drew its sword. The feature starred Adrian Paul and Thekla Reuten, and here's the premise as provided by the reliable IMDB.com:
"Duncan MacLeod and his fellow Immortals quest to locate the Grail of their world."
"Duncan MacLeod and his fellow Immortals quest to locate the Grail of their world."
On this day in 2014, there be dragons here when P-51 Dragon Fighter premiered in theatres. The feature starred Scott Martin and Stephanie Beran, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"As World War Two rages on, the allies are about to push the Nazis out of North Africa. That's when the Nazis turn up the heat, unleashing their secret Weapon - dragons."
"As World War Two rages on, the allies are about to push the Nazis out of North Africa. That's when the Nazis turn up the heat, unleashing their secret Weapon - dragons."
A star is born! On this day in 2015, audiences faced yet another Doomsday. The feature starred Alain Terzoli and Darren Jacobs, and here's the plot summary that's provided compliments of IMDB.com:
"Achilles, a normal man infected with a disease that will bring down the Erebus rulers (human/machine hybrids) escapes back in time from 2410 to the present day where he has a chance to stop the Erebus from ever rising to power. However he is followed by the Erebus-7 who will stop at nothing to hunt him down."
"Achilles, a normal man infected with a disease that will bring down the Erebus rulers (human/machine hybrids) escapes back in time from 2410 to the present day where he has a chance to stop the Erebus from ever rising to power. However he is followed by the Erebus-7 who will stop at nothing to hunt him down."
On this day in 2017 (in Hungary), Guardians enjoyed its theatrical release. According to our friends at IMDB.com, here's the plot summary for the SciFi feature:
"During the Cold War, an organization called "Patriot" created a super-hero squad, which includes members of multiple Soviet republics. For years, the heroes had to hide their identities, but in hard times they must show themselves again."
"During the Cold War, an organization called "Patriot" created a super-hero squad, which includes members of multiple Soviet republics. For years, the heroes had to hide their identities, but in hard times they must show themselves again."
On this day in 1970, Ace Of Wands aired "The Mind Robbers: Part 1." This served as the fourth episode in the program's first season, and here's the plot summary as provided by TV.com:
"Tarot and his companions try to track down two missing government ministers."
"Tarot and his companions try to track down two missing government ministers."
On this day in 1970, Ace Of Wands gave audiences a second installment with the airing of "The Mind Robbers: Part 2." According to our friends at TV.com, here's the plot summary:
"Tarot and his companions track the missing ministers to a mysterious house where he comes up against Señor Zandar."
"Tarot and his companions track the missing ministers to a mysterious house where he comes up against Señor Zandar."
On this day in 1992 (in the United Kingdom), Star Trek aired "The Cage," the original pilot episode to the Gene Roddenberry classic Science Fiction program. According to IMDB.com, here's the plot summary:
"Capt. Pike is held prisoner and tested by aliens who have the power to project incredibly lifelike illusions."
"Capt. Pike is held prisoner and tested by aliens who have the power to project incredibly lifelike illusions."
On this day in 1999, Stargate: SG-1 aired "Rules of Engagement." This served as the ninth episode to the long-running program's third season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"SG1 come across another SG team being attacked by Jaffa. They offer to help but are shot by the SG team members. When they awake, they find out that the other SG team are Jaffa, loyal to Apophis, who are planning to infiltrate Earth. Can SG1 convince them that Apophis is dead before the Jaffa fight to the death?"
"SG1 come across another SG team being attacked by Jaffa. They offer to help but are shot by the SG team members. When they awake, they find out that the other SG team are Jaffa, loyal to Apophis, who are planning to infiltrate Earth. Can SG1 convince them that Apophis is dead before the Jaffa fight to the death?"
On this day in 2005, Stargate: SG-1 aired "Beachhead." This served as the sixth episode to the long-running program's ninth season, and here's the plot summary as detailed by IMDB.com:
"A prior of the Ori has established an ever-growing forcefield on a Jaffa-controlled planet. A minor Goa'uld, but also the one who engineered the multiple gate connections required for the defeat of the Replicators, comes to the SGC with information on the event and offers his help."
"A prior of the Ori has established an ever-growing forcefield on a Jaffa-controlled planet. A minor Goa'uld, but also the one who engineered the multiple gate connections required for the defeat of the Replicators, comes to the SGC with information on the event and offers his help."
On this day in 2007 (in Hungary), Firefly aired "War Stories." Officially, this served as the ninth episode in the program's only season on broadcast television, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"Wash is jealous of the bond between Zoe and Mal and demands to go with Mal to trade the cargo of medical supplies with locals. However Niska's men capture and bring them on board. Niska tortures them both while Zoe collects money from the crew to pay a ransom for them. However Niska releases only Wash and takes Mal's ear to give to Zoe. But the Serenity's crew decides to fight to bring their captain back."
"Wash is jealous of the bond between Zoe and Mal and demands to go with Mal to trade the cargo of medical supplies with locals. However Niska's men capture and bring them on board. Niska tortures them both while Zoe collects money from the crew to pay a ransom for them. However Niska releases only Wash and takes Mal's ear to give to Zoe. But the Serenity's crew decides to fight to bring their captain back."
On this day in 2007, The 4400 aired "One of Us." This served as the tenth episode of the program's fourth (and final) season, and here's the plot summary that's been listed on IMDB.com:
"Richard and Isabelle are pursued by NTAC. Elsewhere, a test is developed that determines if people can be killed by promicin."
"Richard and Isabelle are pursued by NTAC. Elsewhere, a test is developed that determines if people can be killed by promicin."
On this day in 2012, Falling Skies aired "A More Perfect Union." This served as the tenth episode of the program's second season, and here's the plot summary as provided by IMDB.com:
"When skitters approach the newly combined resistance force, the groups' interaction surprises everyone. Meanwhile, Tom finds out life-changing news just as the 2nd Mass comes face-to-face with their most dangerous threat to date."
"When skitters approach the newly combined resistance force, the groups' interaction surprises everyone. Meanwhile, Tom finds out life-changing news just as the 2nd Mass comes face-to-face with their most dangerous threat to date."
